Pumped Up

A musical revue set in a small Southern truck-stop, “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” marks the Cabrillo Music Theater’s first show in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s intimate Forum Theatre. The peppy production packs a lot of music and a little plot into under two hours’ time; it’s a lot of fun.

Steven Boe, David Coleman, Ted Kuntz and Bruce Buckingham here play the “pump boys”--gas station attendants and reluctant mechanics--with Rende Rae Morgan and Andrea Walters as sisters Rhetta and Prudie Cupp, owners of the Double Cupp Cafe, next door. The Boys play various musical instruments; the Cupp sisters bang away on pots and pans.

Scott Rogers directed, with musical direction by Dean Mora and set design by David Dunning.

Those who haven’t seen the show won’t know the songs; those who have probably can’t remember them, but they’re occasionally worth a second listen--”Catfish” and “Be Good or Be Gone” come to mind. The Boys’ bassist Buckingham and pianist David Coleman are the best instrumentalists; the Cupps are the best singers, with belter Norman sounding a bit like Audrey Jr. from “The Little Shop of Horrors.” Boe makes a personable host, with Coleman the group’s comically unlikely Love God.

The show is entirely suitable for older children and teens.

* “Pump Boys and Dinettes” continues through May 11 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Performances are at 7:30 Friday and Saturday evenings, 2:30 Sunday afternoons; with an additional matinee at 2:30 on Saturday, and Sunday performance at 7:30 May 11. Tickets for all performances are $25; $12.50 for children (5-15) and students with ID. For further information, or special prices for groups of 12 or more, call 497-8686.

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Twisted Shakespeare: Many who have seen “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” wish Shakespeare had spent more time with the troupe of amateurs who supply most of the comedy’s comedy. Shakespeare never got around to it, but a fellow named Ed Grazyk did, and the result--”The Rude Mechanicals”--can be seen this weekend at Cal Lutheran University under the direction of Barbara Wegher-Thompson.

It’s “Midsummer” as seen through the eyes of the players, assembled by carpenter Quince (Bret-Jordan Kreiensieck, who is very good) to perform an original play at the wedding of Duke Theseus (Bruce Bui) and his fiancee, Hippolyta (Christa Knudsen). Grazyk added some touches of his own to the real Shakespeare; the result is an amusing 75 minutes--familiarity with the original helps, but isn’t necessary. Though it is promoted and performed as a show for children, those younger than preteens may find themselves lost.

The supporting cast includes Michelle Elbert as narrator Robin Goodfellow; Holly Forsell as Snug; Jason Goldsmith as the fatuous, egocentric actor Bottom; Ryan Gildersleeve as Flute; Domenica Piumetti as Snout; Anja Aulenbacher as Starveling; and Roberta Mills as Puck’s assistant, Propperson.

* “The Rude Mechanicals” continues through Sunday at California Lutheran University’s Preus-Brandt Forum, 60 W. Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks. Performances are at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets to all performances are $4, and may be purchased at the door. For further information, call 493-3415.

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Casting Call: Actors Repertory Company of Simi will audition in Simi Valley tonight and Sunday morning for its Young Artists production of “Twelfth Night.” Director Toni Frisk says that all roles are open for actors between ages 15 and 21. The company is also looking for strong singers, ages 13 to 21, for an a cappella chorus that will be featured in the production. Show dates are weekends throughout July and August, in Simi Valley and Santa Paula. There is no participation fee. For audition appointments, call Jan at 529-3611.

Cabrillo Music Theater will audition Saturday in North Hollywood, and Sunday and Monday in Newbury Park for “Hello, Dolly,” which will run weekends, July 11-20, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. For further information, call 497-8613.

The Ojai Shakespeare Festival will audition for “King Lear” in Ojai on May 3 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. All roles are open. The group is also auditioning for an original production of Shakespearean prose and song, “No Holds Bard” (heh, heh). Both shows run Aug. 1 through 18. For further information, call 646-9455. The company also seeks eligible teens for its production intern program; applications should be submitted no later than May 15. Information is available at the same number.